Should I let the dealer flush my transmission?
Mar 27, 2007 | 09:44 AM
#1
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From: AUSTEX fiveonetwo
Should I let the dealer flush my transmission?
Charles Maund Toyota in Austin charges $149.95 for a trans flush. I read Gadget's write up on the transmission flushes, it sounds like the one that attaches to the pan is better than the flush machine that hooks to the cooler lines.
The dealership will flush the system without even dropping the pan. That doesn't sound very thorough to me. The guy on the phone told me that their system gets all the fluid changed, even in the torque converter and it even flushes the filter/screen. Sounds a bit optimistic to me. So if the dealer doesn't have one of these pump inlet flush machines then who does? Any independent shops have one?
I guess their flush is better than none at all, it sounds like dropping in the pan and replacing filter and fluid is pretty useless because it gets out only 3 quarts of the ~15 qts. total.
The dealership will flush the system without even dropping the pan. That doesn't sound very thorough to me. The guy on the phone told me that their system gets all the fluid changed, even in the torque converter and it even flushes the filter/screen. Sounds a bit optimistic to me. So if the dealer doesn't have one of these pump inlet flush machines then who does? Any independent shops have one?
I guess their flush is better than none at all, it sounds like dropping in the pan and replacing filter and fluid is pretty useless because it gets out only 3 quarts of the ~15 qts. total.
Mar 27, 2007 | 09:48 AM
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From: NC
Charles Maund Toyota in Austin charges $149.95 for a trans flush. I read Gadget's write up on the transmission flushes, it sounds like the one that attaches to the pan is better than the flush machine that hooks to the cooler lines.
The dealership will flush the system without even dropping the pan. That doesn't sound very thorough to me. The guy on the phone told me that their system gets all the fluid changed, even in the torque converter and it even flushes the filter/screen. Sounds a bit optimistic to me. So if the dealer doesn't have one of these pump inlet flush machines then who does? Any independent shops have one?
I guess their flush is better than none at all, it sounds like dropping in the pan and replacing filter and fluid is pretty useless because it gets out only 3 quarts of the ~15 qts. total.
The dealership will flush the system without even dropping the pan. That doesn't sound very thorough to me. The guy on the phone told me that their system gets all the fluid changed, even in the torque converter and it even flushes the filter/screen. Sounds a bit optimistic to me. So if the dealer doesn't have one of these pump inlet flush machines then who does? Any independent shops have one?
I guess their flush is better than none at all, it sounds like dropping in the pan and replacing filter and fluid is pretty useless because it gets out only 3 quarts of the ~15 qts. total.
what year and how many miles on your truck?? what color is your tranny fluid?? is it an auto??
Mar 27, 2007 | 09:50 AM
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From: AUSTEX fiveonetwo
Mar 27, 2007 | 09:52 AM
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i would drain over night or alteast an hour or so and buy up to 7qts to cover your butt to refill.. imo, it doesnt need flushing........ to me it would only need flushing if the color is brownish. you will know.. plus if you are hard on your tranny by off roading and etc then yeah.. if not then no just drain and fill
Mar 27, 2007 | 09:53 AM
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I've never found anything but the type that hooks up to the cooler lines, not sure where Gadget found that other type machine.
That is a little high price wise unless they are using synthetic ATF. I found a place once that would do it for $50 and they let me bring my own synthetic ATF.
That is a little high price wise unless they are using synthetic ATF. I found a place once that would do it for $50 and they let me bring my own synthetic ATF.
Mar 27, 2007 | 09:56 AM
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From: AUSTEX fiveonetwo
i would drain over night or alteast an hour or so and buy up to 7qts to cover your butt to refill.. imo, it doesnt need flushing........ to me it would only need flushing if the color is brownish. you will know.. plus if you are hard on your tranny by off roading and etc then yeah.. if not then no just drain and fill
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Mar 27, 2007 | 09:57 AM
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From: AUSTEX fiveonetwo
I've never found anything but the type that hooks up to the cooler lines, not sure where Gadget found that other type machine.
That is a little high price wise unless they are using synthetic ATF. I found a place once that would do it for $50 and they let me bring my own synthetic ATF.
That is a little high price wise unless they are using synthetic ATF. I found a place once that would do it for $50 and they let me bring my own synthetic ATF.
I don't trust the big chain trans shops, so maybe there's a local shop here who's reputable.
Mar 27, 2007 | 09:58 AM
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filter?? you shouldnt have to replace it if i am right.. like i said i just drain and refill.. you could do it 15k, 20k or miles.. its up to you..
Mar 27, 2007 | 09:59 AM
#11
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From: AUSTEX fiveonetwo
I'd agree with that. Did the dealer flush it? If not, I'd question the type of fluid that went back in there. I've heard Toyota transmissions can be picky about that. I'd like to try Amsoil, but I think I'll stick with the Toyota OEM stuff.
Mar 27, 2007 | 10:00 AM
#12
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From: AUSTEX fiveonetwo
The screen, if Toyota sells them they must need replacing at some point. Since I want to clean the pan and check it for any debris I might as well replace it while I am in there. 7yrs/50k miles is a good bench mark for changing stuff out I think.
Mar 27, 2007 | 10:00 AM
#13
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I'll check into the local shops here, I tend to do all my work myself and/or at the dealership, the money I save on DIY justifies going to the dealer for the harder stuff.
I don't trust the big chain trans shops, so maybe there's a local shop here who's reputable.
I don't trust the big chain trans shops, so maybe there's a local shop here who's reputable.
Mar 27, 2007 | 11:44 AM
#14
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I think the power flushing machines will do alot better than just draining.....It's not gonna be too much if you just go to a good mechanic and have them do it. I need to find the thing from when i had it done on my ranger.
Mar 27, 2007 | 11:47 AM
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From: AUSTEX fiveonetwo
This sounds pretty good... http://www.ntaustin.com/powerflush.html
Power Flush? Automatic Transmission Service
As Austin's transmission service and repair leader, NT is pleased to offer its unique Power Flush? automatic transmission service. This new patented technology is the most complete way to properly service a vehicle?s automatic transmission. NT is the only Austin area transmission shop to offer this service.
In the usual method of servicing a vehicle?s transmission ? the only way shops have had until the invention of this new Power Flush? technology ? we have dropped the transmission?s pan, changed the transmission?s filter, and topped off the transmission?s fluid. However, with this method (unlike engine oil changes) only about 30% to 40% of the transmission?s fluid is changed. The rest of the old fluid remains inside the torque converter, clutch packs, and other passageways in the transmission.
Cooler line flushers are capable of changing all the transmission?s fluid. However, over 95% of the "drive in" flush shops do not drop the transmission?s oil pan and change the filter. These two steps are critical to proper transmission servicing. If the old filter is clogged with debris, the new fluid will not be able to flow through it properly and the unit?s fluid pressure may not be sufficient to operate it correctly. Additionally, the use of cooler line flushers runs the risk of damaging cooler line connections at the radiator, or even damaging the radiator itself.
With NT?s Power Flush? technology, we drop the transmission?s pan and remove the old filter. In doing so, we also inspect what sediment and debris may be lodged in the pan?s bottom before we clean it out, aiding us in ascertaining what possible problems may exist in the transmission. Next, we completely replace all the old fluid in the transmission with new OEM-approved fluid by the new patented Power Flush? process. Then we install a new high quality filter, reinstall the cleaned out pan with a new pan gasket, and top off the transmission with fluid. Only with this method does your vehicle receive a complete change of fluid and a new filter at every service. In a minority of cases, NT?s Power Flush? has actually cured drivability problems without further expensive repairs.
Come in to NT and watch a videotape of our Power Flush? technology in operation. See why it is the only way to properly service your vehicle?s transmission ? especially here in the extreme heat of Texas. See why NT continues to set the pace as Austin?s leading transmission shop. Get all your family?s or fleet?s vehicles Power Flushed? for only a bit more than our traditional transmission service fee.
As Austin's transmission service and repair leader, NT is pleased to offer its unique Power Flush? automatic transmission service. This new patented technology is the most complete way to properly service a vehicle?s automatic transmission. NT is the only Austin area transmission shop to offer this service.
In the usual method of servicing a vehicle?s transmission ? the only way shops have had until the invention of this new Power Flush? technology ? we have dropped the transmission?s pan, changed the transmission?s filter, and topped off the transmission?s fluid. However, with this method (unlike engine oil changes) only about 30% to 40% of the transmission?s fluid is changed. The rest of the old fluid remains inside the torque converter, clutch packs, and other passageways in the transmission.
Cooler line flushers are capable of changing all the transmission?s fluid. However, over 95% of the "drive in" flush shops do not drop the transmission?s oil pan and change the filter. These two steps are critical to proper transmission servicing. If the old filter is clogged with debris, the new fluid will not be able to flow through it properly and the unit?s fluid pressure may not be sufficient to operate it correctly. Additionally, the use of cooler line flushers runs the risk of damaging cooler line connections at the radiator, or even damaging the radiator itself.
With NT?s Power Flush? technology, we drop the transmission?s pan and remove the old filter. In doing so, we also inspect what sediment and debris may be lodged in the pan?s bottom before we clean it out, aiding us in ascertaining what possible problems may exist in the transmission. Next, we completely replace all the old fluid in the transmission with new OEM-approved fluid by the new patented Power Flush? process. Then we install a new high quality filter, reinstall the cleaned out pan with a new pan gasket, and top off the transmission with fluid. Only with this method does your vehicle receive a complete change of fluid and a new filter at every service. In a minority of cases, NT?s Power Flush? has actually cured drivability problems without further expensive repairs.
Come in to NT and watch a videotape of our Power Flush? technology in operation. See why it is the only way to properly service your vehicle?s transmission ? especially here in the extreme heat of Texas. See why NT continues to set the pace as Austin?s leading transmission shop. Get all your family?s or fleet?s vehicles Power Flushed? for only a bit more than our traditional transmission service fee.
Mar 27, 2007 | 11:48 AM
#16
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you can clean the screen and put it back big guy.. i have never cleaned the screen but a lot of people here do... its your choice... how much was it anyway?
Mar 27, 2007 | 01:54 PM
#17
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I've never found anything but the type that hooks up to the cooler lines, not sure where Gadget found that other type machine.
That is a little high price wise unless they are using synthetic ATF. I found a place once that would do it for $50 and they let me bring my own synthetic ATF.
That is a little high price wise unless they are using synthetic ATF. I found a place once that would do it for $50 and they let me bring my own synthetic ATF.
Im trying to find a place that will do the exact thing you have done mt_goat. I want a full flush as well and perhaps synthetic.
Mar 27, 2007 | 02:00 PM
#18
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From: Central NJ
i would drain over night or alteast an hour or so and buy up to 7qts to cover your butt to refill.. imo, it doesnt need flushing........ to me it would only need flushing if the color is brownish. you will know.. plus if you are hard on your tranny by off roading and etc then yeah.. if not then no just drain and fill
I always say one should go by the severe conditions schedule in the manual unless you drive like an old person everywhere and never abuse it.
Oh and I have personally used a transtech flush machine, it hooks into your lines and whatnot. It removes all the fluid and is very easy to use, most smaller shops have them or find a specialized good trans shop.
Last edited by CJM; Mar 27, 2007 at 02:02 PM.
Mar 27, 2007 | 02:26 PM
#19
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From: Socal
I recommend doing the flush. I think I paid $80 plus the Amsoil, which wasn't cheap. Now I drain and refill annually and plan on doing a full flush every three years. I put less than 10k annually.
Mar 27, 2007 | 02:44 PM
#20
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From: Oklahoma State
As you can see most of the screen is in cased in metal with just a few small openings. It been my experience that the worst of of debris is up in the harder to reach parts on the screen and it's usually small metal fragments that are imbedded in the screen. These small metal fragments are not solvent soluable and don't just rinse off very easy. My point is if I've gone to the trouble of getting the pan off I change the filter too. Last one I bought from Bob Bridge Toyota was less than $40 IIRC. https://www.1sttoyotaparts.com/partscat.html
And yes if you're wondering about that debris on the filter, lee's tranny was toast.
Last edited by mt_goat; Mar 27, 2007 at 02:53 PM.
